Prominent Iraqi singer Kazem al-Saher said talent show “The Voice,” currently airing on the Arab satellite channel MBC, has helped him face an audience once more, following years of self-professed isolation.

“I had isolated myself for a very long time, but the show encouraged me to break this isolation,” he said in a special interview with Al Arabiya’s morning show.

Saher said that because of his long absence, he was quite tense in the first episodes of the show.

“They reminded me of the time when I was starting my singing career and used to perform in front of a jury.”

Through the show, he explained, he got the chance to meet a large number of young talented singers whether in his own team or that of other singers that are in the judging panel with him: Egyptian singer Sherine Abdel Wahab, Lebanese singer Assi al-Hellani, and Tunisian singer Saber al-Rubaei.

“The competition between the teams highlights real talents, as well making the program more entertaining for the audience.”

Saher spoke of the several “talented singers” in his team and that even though some of them are not experienced enough, he has helped in teaching them how to enhance their voices.

He also confirmed his promise to a Tunisian contestant to sing a duet with her.

“She is one of the most beautiful voices on the show,” Saher said.

And on the topic of Iraqi talent, Saher said that he has one Iraqi contestant in his team and there is another in Rubaei’s team.

“However, there are several Iraqi singers who are very talented, but were not able to apply for the show.”

On a personal level, Saher said he works out on regular basis to remain in good shape, particularly as standing on stage for a long time requires a great deal of fitness, he said.

Among his hobbies, Saher said he enjoys painting and is generally interested in all types of fine arts.

Saher also expressed his happiness at becoming a grandfather; “My granddaughter has become the center of my life.”